Every year our very own Traci Jacobs participates in the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day, a 60-mile journey that serves as a moving monument to support the fight against breast cancer. Each individual has their own personal story, a unique source of inspiration – a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend – but every single one of them walks in solidarity for the same purpose: to end breast cancer forever. The San Diego 3-Day is taking place this weekend from November 18-20, and this will be Traci’s 10th Walk! We asked Traci a few questions about the event to develop a deeper understanding of what makes the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day so special.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about doing the 3-Day every year?

Traci: It’s such a life-changing experience. Hard to put into words. You make lifelong friends and have this bond with them. Everyone walking has a story. Everyone has a WHY. San Diego is the best walk with the best support. That’s why it’s the biggest, and so many people come from so far. We have the best community support.

Q: What is “Cupcakes For A Cure” and how did you come up with that name?

Traci: “Cupcakes For A Cure” is our team. It was actually what we said to each other the first walk if anything hurt, “Suck it up, Cupcake!” and we became the “cupcakes.” Most normal people have girlfriends, I have cupcakes. We’re an odd group that ranges in age, a mother/daughter, my aunt and I, and we’ve added some and lost some over the years but we’re cupcakes at heart. We have all started a cupcake collection, you name it we have it… And none of us actually really eat them. LOL.

Q: Any memories that stand out from one of your walks?

Traci: How about my worst walk? My dad almost died Thursday night before. He was in emergency open heart surgery ALL night, so the entire family was at the hospital. His last words to my sister, “They better walk, this isn’t an excuse.” So we sat up in a hospital ALL night and surgery was over at 4 something in the morning. Drove from La Jolla to my aunt’s, finished packing, showered, changed and woke up my uncle to drive us to opening ceremonies! Mile 3.2, I think, my aunt (dad’s sister) basically falls over ’cause she can’t feel her legs. We end up in the emergency room of the same hospital my dad’s at… (That was fun sneaking around). Well they “red carded” her so no more walking. I slept alone in the “best” tent in the pouring rain…. Oh yeah, that was the year of the WORST storms the 3-day in San Diego has ever had. We found a wheelchair for my aunt for Sunday. The team pushed her. We took an extra shirt for my dad, one you only get if you finish and hung it proudly in ICU. Well, 6 years later… We still walk and he is still around.

Q: Why is this cause so important to you?

Traci: I hate this question as much as I hate cancer… My mom was my best friend.

Q: What can people do to get more involved in supporting the cause?

Traci: You can join the next Susan G. Komen 5k or 3-Day! Come out this weekend and cheer us on! Every October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Reach out to the community. Call a local hospital. Talk to the Cancer Center and see if there’s anything you can do to help. Bring gifts to chemo patients. You can also show your support for the next San Diego 3-Day by donating online!

We are so proud of Traci as she embarks on her 10th 3-Day Walk this weekend. She is a bright example of taking action if there as a cause or an issue you feel passionately about. And if you ever feel like the road ahead is too tough to walk… “Suck it up, Cupcake!” We wish Traci and all the Cupcakes a wonderful weekend and another great 3-Day Walk.